How Bremelanotide works
An as-needed injection for low libido before menopause; nausea is common.
Also called: PT-141, PT141, Vyleesi.
Melanocortin agonists · Melanocortin receptor agonist · Evidence: Approved drug.
It activates signals in the brain involved in sexual desire and arousal. It also acts on pigment cells, which can darken skin. Its exact pathway for improving low desire is unknown.
- MC4 receptor: Brain signaling linked to desire, appetite and blood pressure.
- MC1 receptor: Can increase skin pigment.
Half-life: Mean 2.7 hours after a single injection; range 1.9–4.0 hours.
Related to Bremelanotide
- Melanotan II: An unapproved tanning peptide with small human trials and reports of serious harm.
- Melanotan I / Afamelanotide: The molecule in an approved EPP implant; online tanning powder is a different formulation.
- Setmelanotide: A daily injection approved for specific genetic obesity and acquired hypothalamic obesity.
- Tirzepatide: A weekly GIP/GLP-1 injection with strong diabetes and weight-loss evidence and common stomach side effects.
Sources
- 503B Bulk Drug Substances List, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding Under Section 503A of the FD&C Act, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Scenesse, INN-afamelanotide, 2026
- The 2026 Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Agency · WADA · 2026
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—October 2026) Instrument 2026, Australian Government · Australian Government · 2026
- DailyMed - VYLEESI- bremelanotide injection, 2025
- Priapism (painful erections) - NHS, NHS · 2023
- NDA 210557 Multi-disciplinary Review and Evaluation: Vyleesi (bremelanotide), 2019
- Female Sexual Desire, Arousal, and Orgasmic Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatment Options., Toledo RG et al. · Journal of minimally invasive gynecology · 2026
- Effect of bremelanotide on body weight of obese women: Data from two phase 1 randomized controlled trials., Spana C et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2022
- Re-Analyzing Phase III Bremelanotide Trials for "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder" in Women., Spielmans GI et al. · Journal of sex research · 2021
- Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials., Kingsberg SA et al. · Obstetrics and gynecology · 2019
- Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder., Simon JA et al. · Obstetrics and gynecology · 2019
Sources checked: 2026-10-18.
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